Our family were not church goers. The first person who taught me about faith was my Nan, Barbara. She had a quiet, but resolute faith. I remember learning how prayer formed part of her everyday life. She always made sure we knew she was praying for us. I went with her to her church. However, at 13 I knew everything and made a point of telling the vicar this! I was most likely more than a bit annoying – so I don’t blame him for asking me to leave the confirmation classes. I left the church, for good, I thought. My Nan continued praying though…

By the time I went to university I was hardened against religion. I saw no evidence for God and thought it was better to engage in solving the world’s problems through left-leaning politics. All this changed through a (random) sequence of events. Doctors thought a friend with meningitis was going to die. Her mum was a Christian who set off a prayer chain. The friend made an unexpected recovery. I always thought prayer was to do with positive thinking, and this experience challenged my lack of proof for God’s existence. The chaplaincy at university had a mission week coming up. The speaker was Methodist preacher and political activist, Donald English. In five days, I got to explore many aspects of faith I struggled with. Donald inspired me to see that true transformation for our world will come through the coming of the Kingdom of God.

That set me on a slightly different journey resulting in me (randomly) choosing to join a Christian youth work agency. This team was led by a couple called Jonny and Jenny. So much about them was inspiring. They modelled an equality in their relationship, at home and at work, which I have sought to emulate. They introduced me to studying theology as a way of seeking a ‘transforming vision’ for the whole of life. The worship events they ran, along with others, led me to find an irreverent yet deep spirituality that brought God to life.

Since then there have been many others as companions in the way of faith. My wife Bridget is the number one provoker and supporter for this journey. In another (random) connection we now have the privilege of Jonny and Jenny’s grandchildren being in our church. I can now pray for them, like my Nan did for me… ¶

As told to Pathways by Nick Shepherd

Nick Shepherd is the director of Setting God’s People Free which aims to help Christians in their everyday faith. Hear him talking with Bishop Steven: blogs.oxford.anglican.org/nick-shepherd

Who told you? If you’d like to share how others helped you on your own journey to faith, then please get in touch with us:

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Wykeham: Ronald Hawkes, Elisabeth Hawkes and John Tattersall. For the shared life of our six rural churches as we seek to serve all the people of our villages and scattered farms. Give thanks for God's blessing on so many good things that we currently do in his name. Bishop Carpenter Primary School.

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Did you listen to the recording of the BBC Three Counties' interview with Margot Hodson and Martin John Hodson that we shared yesterday? If not it's on Soundcloud here: soundcloud.com/user-487535189/climate-change-biodiversity-loss-and-faith

If you enjoyed it and would like to learn more you might be interested in 'Your will be done on earth: A Christian response to key environmental issues.' with Martin and Margot. It's on Wednesday 5th June 2019, 10am to 4pm at St James Church, Church Lane, Finchampstead, RG40 4LU. It's a chance to get up to speed with environmental issues and understand more about our Christian responsibility. It's open to all. The day will cost £10 for most people, but Oxford Diocese clergy and lay ministers may use their CMD grant. Details and booking here: tinyurl.com/y3w99tnx...